What Lovers Do

## 🎸 Song Overview & Key "What Lovers Do" is a romantic, soulful pop ballad with a passionate and dramatic mood. The song is in the key of **C major**, with a **capo on the 3rd fret**, effectively shifting the key to **Eb major** for the actual playing. The tempo is moderate (around 90–100 BPM), allowing for expressive phrasing and dynamic swells. The musical style blends pop sensibilities with subtle rock undertones, featuring a repetitive, catchy chord progression that drives the emotional core of the song. The use of the **D chord** (which becomes an F# in Eb key) adds a jazzy, tense quality, while the **G chord** provides a bright, resolving sound. ## 📐 Chord Progression Analysis The song revolves around a simple but effective progression: **C → Em → D → G**. This sequence creates a sense of longing and resolution, typical of pop ballads. In Roman numeral terms (based on the key of C major), it’s **I → ii → III → IV**. The movement from **Em (ii)** to **D (III)** adds harmonic color, while the **G (IV)** chord provides a strong, uplifting resolution. The repetition of this progression in verses and choruses reinforces the song’s emotional theme of uncertainty and desire. The **Bm chord** (used sparingly) introduces a minor, brooding contrast, enhancing the song’s dramatic flair. ## 🖐️ Fingering & Technique Tips For beginners, the **C chord** can be tricky due to the barre. Use your index finger to bar the 3rd fret (capo on 3), and place your ring finger on the 5th fret of the A string. Simplify the **D chord** by using a **D major shape** (index on 2nd fret, middle finger on 3rd fret) instead of a barre. The **G chord** is straightforward, and the **Em chord** is easy with fingers on the 2nd and 4th frets. For smoother transitions, practice **C → D** slowly, lifting your fingers just enough to avoid muting. If the **Bm chord** feels stiff, try a **Bm7 voicing** (index on 2nd fret, middle on 3rd, ring on 4th) for easier fretting. ## 🥁 Strumming Pattern & Rhythm Use a **down-up-down-up** strumming pattern for the verses, emphasizing the **D and G chords** to highlight the emotional peaks. In the chorus, add syncopation by muting the strings between strums for a punchier feel. Dynamics are key: keep the **verses soft** (using light touch on the pick) and **crank up the volume** on the **chorus** for maximum impact. The time signature is **4/4**, with a steady, heartbeat-like rhythm. Pay attention to the **"ooh" and "aah" sections**—strum gently here to match the vocal phrasing. ## 🎵 Song Structure Walkthrough The song follows a **verse → chorus → verse → chorus → bridge → chorus** structure. The **intro** (with "Ooooh, oooh") uses a sparse, melodic strumming pattern. The **verses** (starting with "Tell me, tell me if you love me...") focus on the **C → Em → D → G** progression, with a steady rhythm. The **chorus** ("Tryna’ do what lovers do") adds more intensity, with syncopated strumming and a higher dynamic. The **bridge** ("Aren’t we too grown for games?") shifts to a more reflective mood, using **C → D → G** with a slower, deliberate feel. Transitions between sections require smooth chord changes and careful attention to timing. ##